MLB’s Roberto Clemente Award is handed out annually to a player who “combines on-field excellence with extraordinary community endeavors.” Or so says Alex Speier of the great WEEI.com. This year, Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield was given the honor at a press conference before Game 1 of the World Series in San Francisco. A note from the commish:

“Major League Baseball congratulates Tim Wakefield for being named the recipient of the 2010 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “While Tim has put together a wonderful career on the field, his efforts off the field have had a lasting impact on the lives of young people, particularly in New England and Melbourne, Florida. We are proud to honor him with this prestigious Award.”

Wakefield has played a major role in a variety of charities over the past few years in the New England Area, including “Pitching For Kids,” which provides educational grants to needy children in the great Northeast. Also, he’s raised over $10 million through his annual Tim Wakefield Celebrity Golf Classic and Memorabilia Auction. It’s great to see those efforts rewarded and Wakefield told reporters that it was the “greatest honor of his career … the ultimate.”